Of love they know not; though they sing,
Loud-voiced, their woeful suffering,2660
And loss of appetite and sleep:
Natheless I see these losels keep
Fat and well liking, feeding higher
Than abbot, canon, monk, or prior.
Vails to followers
Moreover, ’tis my strict command
Thou show’st a free and generous hand
Towards thy mistress’ serving-maid;
Bestow on her a robe well made
Of fine wove stuff, and she shall spread
Thy name abroad for goodlihead.2670
In honour, marked by reverence, hold
All those thy lady hath enrolled
As special friends, great service they
May render thee in many a way,
And praise, perchance, bestow on thee
For gentle speech and courtesy.
Depart not from the countryside,
Or if perchance thou needs must ride
Afar, leave thou thy heart with her
Whom thou wouldst choose its cofferer.2680
Then haste thy steps, that thou amain
Mayst win to her sweet side again,
And let her see how wearily
Time’s foot doth lag, unless thine eye
Feast on her.
Therewithal is sped
My counsel, which shall well bestead
My faithful servitor, and bring
Him and his love to harbouring.”
